“What a reproachful face to put on, and for so little!” said the other, laughing. “You don't think that when I said he gambled I thought the worse of him.”
“Perhaps not; but you meant that I should.”
“You are too sharp in your casuistry; but you have been living with only men latterly, and the strong-minded race always impart some of their hardness to the women who associate with them. You'll have to come down to silly creatures like me, Lucy, to regain your softness.”
“I shall be delighted if you let me keep your company.”
“We will be sisters, darling, if you will only be frank with me.”
“Prove me if you like; ask me anything you will, and see if I will not answer you freely.”
“Have you told me all your Cagliari life,—all?”
“I think so; all at least that was worth telling.”
“You had a shipwreck on your island, we heard here; are such events so frequent that they make slight impression?”
“I was but speaking of ourselves and our fortunes,” said Lucy; “my narrative was all selfish.” “Come,—I never beat about the bush,—tell me one thing,—it's a very abrupt way to ask, but perhaps it's the best way,—are you going to be married?”